Stalling Front Will Bring Several Rain Chances...

It's not a big deal to be below normal/average on rainfall during January & February since not much is growing.  However, once into March with warmer temperatures, plants & lawns need rainfall to begin their growing season.   A cold front has staggered through us this afternoon, but it won't make much progress beyond our coast.   With the trough still parked over the west, the front lacks any upper support, but may trigger several rounds/waves of rain Tuesday & Wednesday as minor disturbances race up the frontal boundary.

The rain total forecast for the next 2 days keeps the heaviest to our north & east, but the shades of blue indicate 1-2" amounts especially along the coast.  The rain will come in waves so that we'll have many dry hours too.

With the upper flow from the SW, the really cold air behind this first front will stay across north & central Louisiana.   But there will be a major pattern shift this weekend that will bring much colder air down to us on Saturday & Sunday.

The top graphic is the upper flow from this morning.  The next is valid for Friday AM with the bottom valid for midday on Saturday.   With such a sharp trough over the eastern states, there is the potential for a southern snowstorm.

I grabbed these graphics from Bruce Katz's 4 PM program.  Note the snow across north Louisiana.  As that system passes, there is the threat for a freeze on the North Shore on Sunday morning.

A couple of things to see on the 7 day.   Wednesday looks to have the higher rain chances with Friday night into Saturday right behind.  The recent warmth has really ramped up water temperatures as Lake Pontchartrain is now around 70.    That should help keep the freezing temps away from the South Shore.   Hope those of you living north of the Lake haven't planted any tender vegetation yet?  Could see mid to upper 20s!   Burrr!   All you cold air geeks rejoice!   Stay tuned!